Senate approves deal to prevent government shutdown

Washington
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Concerns regarding a possible shutdown of the US government were erased as the Senate approved a "complex" deal through a 79-12 bipartisan vote on Monday.

The Senate resolution is bound to make disaster funds, including an additional $2.65 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA,) available to help victims of recent disasters.

Despite an overwhelming majority vote of 79-12, the resolution is one of the most debated in recent memory. It earlier reported that the US Senate, which is controlled by Democrats, were divided on whether budget cuts are necessary to release additional disaster funds to aid victims of recent natural disasters particularly the victims of Hurricane Irene in the east coast.

FEMA, which earlier stated that their disaster fund is dwindling by the day, is the biggest beneficiary of the resolution. However, Reuters speculate that FEMA will most likely ask for additional funds in the coming months.

Democrats expected the House Republicans to agree with the Senate’s overall solution, the New York Times reports. “It is hard to see how House Republicans would reject this proposal,” said Senator Charles E. Schumer of New York.

Spending bills and budget cuts remains a divisive issue in the US Senate amid the economic setbacks including Standard & Poor's recent credit downgrade and major concerns of another economic recession.